San Luis Potosi Medal (1867)

Silver medal tied to San Luis Potosí, dated 1867 and engraved by A. Flores, a decisive year in Mexican history.

In 1867 the Restored Republic triumphed: the Second Empire fell, Maximilian was executed in Querétaro, and Benito Juárez reestablished the republican government. San Luis Potosí played a special role, as it was the seat of Juárez's itinerant government during much of the resistance against the French Intervention.

With its generous size, this piece reflects San Luis's role in that moment of national reaffirmation. The city, which had sheltered the republican government in the most difficult years, had ample reason to commemorate in metal the triumph of the liberal cause and the end of the imperial adventure.

The San Luis Potosí medal of 1867 is a silver piece that commemorates this historic city in central Mexico, carefully engraved by A. Flores G. at a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Its careful relief and its limited issue make it a highly prized object among those who collect 19th-century Mexican medals.

Struck in silver, it measures 47.2 millimeters in diameter and weighs 43.21 grams. Being precious metal, its value has a clear floor: the fine-silver content. Above that, what lifts it is condition, the short run of the issue, and interest in the theme it commemorates. A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates San Luis Potosí, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it had them: they add collector value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints. For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #180a.